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Due to Beltran's minor injury, Peterson makes first start

Due to Beltran's minor injury, Peterson makes first start

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By Jenifer Langosch
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- The first at-bat and first RBI came Saturday for new Major Leaguer Brock Peterson. He had to wait only a day longer to earn his first start.

After hearing Carlos Beltran was feeling a "little achy," manager Mike Matheny took the opportunity to rest the veteran outfielder and insert Peterson, a 29-year-old Minor League journeyman until this weekend. Matheny did not specify what issue was nagging Beltran, though he did add that the right fielder insisted he felt good enough to play on Sunday, if needed.

Instead, Allen Craig shifted to Beltran's spot in right field, while Peterson subbed in as the left fielder. Peterson last played the outfield in 2011, when he was put there for six Independent League games. Prior to that, he played only 22 games as an outfielder in eight Minor League seasons with the Twins.

Also making a spot start on Sunday was Shane Robinson, who, because the Padres sent a left-handed starter to the mound, replaced Jon Jay in center. Robinson entered the day 7-for-38 against left-handers this year.